Independence Streak

My Darling Daughter,

We need to have a little chat. I just want to tell you how happy I am that in this mess of boys, I got my one little girl.

I just love the fact that you like to go online shopping with me at Gymboree.com. We have so much fun looking at the sale pages and picking out outfits. Your sense of style is really coming along. I love the fact that you like shopping. Maybe someday we can graduate to the actual mall until the time when you deem me to uncool to be seen with you.

I also love the fact that every time I go into the kitchen to make dinner, you either beg to help me or you go into your little kitchen and start making dinner too. You always make your specialty, "white chicken pasta." You will happily set the table and I just love that.

It makes me giggle when you try and mother your brothers by yelling, "Stop it, now! You get on the naughty chair!" Really, sweetie, they barely listen to me. I don't think they are going to listen to you but I do appreciate the effort. I'll take all the help that I can get.

What I need to talk to you about is this independent streak that you are on. Now, I know that you are suppose to learn to do things for yourself. It's all part of growing up but right now the fact that you want to put your own shoes on or dress yourself is really a pain in my ass.


Especially, the long drawn out tantrums that you throw when I won't let you do this. I don't like this when it happens at home and I really don't like it when are on the floor kicking and screaming for all your worth in the middle of the store.

I know that you can do these things and I know that I have to let you. And upon occasion I am will to do so. But you are just so slow and I just don't have that kind of time. We keep a strict schedule.

And besides, while I am waiting for you, your brothers are on the loose doing God knows what in the van. Most likely, its eating food that they find between the seats which is not good for them and kind of gross.

And right now, since I have still have to do these things for your brothers it really doesn't help all that much. Besides the fact, you are making your brothers look bad. You see, boys are slow. It takes them a while to pick up on things. So how do you think it makes me them feel to watch you put your shoes on all by yourself when they don't even know that shoes go on their feet?


So how about this, I will let you put your shoes and coat on. But you have only the time it takes me to get the boys dress and I will even promise to do it at half my normal speed to give you more time. But then I am going to do it for you.

It's a compromise, sweetie.

Life is full of them.

We will re-evaluate once your brothers catch up with your skills.

Love,
Mommy